The IDRA 14 celebrates 80 years as Ireland’s first national dinghy class. Since its design in 1938 and introduction in 1946, the class has been raced, developed, rebuilt, and sailed by generations of sailors across the country.
This milestone marks not just the age of the design, but the strength of the community that has kept the IDRA 14 active, relevant, and competitive for eight decades.
From its earliest wooden hulls to today’s race-ready boats, the IDRA 14 has evolved steadily in response to how sailors actually sail. Changes have been introduced carefully over time, allowing the class to modernise while preserving the core characteristics that define the boat.
Fibreglass hulls, updated rigs, spinnakers, and trapeze systems have all been adopted to ensure the boat remains manageable, exciting, and affordable to race.
The IDRA 14 has always been shaped by its sailors. Owners have built, repaired, modified, and maintained their boats themselves, sharing knowledge and improvements across fleets.
This culture of hands-on involvement remains a defining feature of the class today. Whether restoring an older boat, helping a new sailor get started, or sharing tuning advice on the slipway, the class continues to be driven by the people who sail it.
Over 80 years, one hundred and twenty three IDRA 14s have been built and raced. Each boat carries its own history — of owners, championships, rebuilds, and memorable races.
Active fleets in Clontarf, Dun Laoghaire, Howth, Sutton, and beyond continue to add to that story, ensuring the class remains visible and competitive within Irish dinghy sailing.
The 80th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to:
Reflect on the history of the class
Celebrate the sailors who sustained it
Share stories of boats and fleets
Look ahead to the future of the IDRA 14
Throughout this anniversary period, the class is gathering historical material, recording stories, and highlighting the people and boats that have shaped the IDRA 14.
While this anniversary recognises the past, the focus remains firmly on the future. The class continues to:
Support youth and developing sailors
Encourage refurbishment and new participation
Promote competitive, affordable racing
Strengthen fleets and class activity
The IDRA 14’s longevity is not accidental. It is the result of consistent effort, shared responsibility, and a belief that good racing and good company are worth sustaining.
The story of the IDRA 14 is still being written. Whether you are a current sailor, a former owner, or someone discovering the class for the first time, you are part of its continuing history.